President John F. Kennedy once said, “I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

View photos of competition winners and artwork:  /photos/

Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School student Aidan Schaffert captured the top prize in U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s annual congressional art competition with a portrait of a introspective friend entitled, "This is a Bad Time." Aidan's subject shared that racial tensions were wearing on young people today and the piece captures this sentiment.  

“’This is a Bad Time' is art with message for all of us conveyed through his stunning portrait,” said U.S. Rep. Castor (FL14), who announced the winner during an awards ceremony yesterday at the Tampa Museum of Art. The student exhibition will be on display at the museum until April 17. 

Aidan’s winning artwork is especially timely and poignant after last week's tragedy involving a Gibbs HS student, who moved to St. Petersburg two years ago for a fresh start and died after getting caught up in a tragic crime with friends. “Despite the recent tragedies, the overwhelming participation of high school students and the winners demonstrate that our young people hold great promise and so many have bright futures ahead. I am very proud of these St. Petersburg and Hillsborough students and all of the supportive teachers as well."

After it leaves the Tampa Museum, Aidan’s oil on canvass will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. In June, Aidan, a junior, will meet up with the winners from other congressional districts throughout the country at the U.S. Capitol.

He competed last year in U.S. Rep. Castor’s annual competition, but this year, his artwork was chosen among 64 entries and 19 schools, which included paintings, sculptures and photographs.

Aidan’s classmate, Madeline MacFarlane, also from Gibbs HS, received the Museum Choice Award for her artwork, “Bird Confusion,” an ink drawing.

Aidan has been exposed to the arts since a very young age (his mother is an artist). These days, the temper of the times, talented students and teachers at Gibbs serve as an inspiration for Aidan.

“I was introduced to drawing probably before I could write,” Aidan said. “But being at an art magnet school, I am inspired by my very talented teachers and friends.”

Aidan means teachers such as Steven Beverage, who was also his art history teacher.

“Mr. Beverage encourages critical thinking and critical problem solving,” Aiden concluded.

This is the first time a student from PCCA atGibbs HS has won the competition’s top prize.

During yesterday’s ceremony, other finalists were recognized with honorable mentions, Water Media Awards by the Florida Watercolor Society, Sculpture Award, Photography Award and Museum Sponsored Award(s). Student winners for each category took home cash prizes. Aidan’s recognition comes with a scholarship, professional framing provided by the Tampa Museum of Art and a trip to Washington, D.C., thanks to Southwest Airlines. A complete list of the student winners is provided below.

“Arts also means jobs in Tampa Bay,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “In 2008, spending by arts institutions and their audiences added up to almost $300 million a year, along with providing about 4,800 jobs, and I anticipate even bigger numbers as our cultural institutions and the creators help our economy grow and thrive,” U.S. Rep. Castor said. “Arts are an investment and every year during my art competition, I am impressed by the many creative young artists right here in our community.”